Film Review - Pride
Monday, September 15, 2014
Pride. Where shall I begin? Firstly, this is yet another film I have gone to see without having any inkling of the plot beforehand. I hadn't even seen the trailer; only adverts on the side of a bus, and the news that it's done incredibly well at the UK box office so far. Basically I was sitting in Starbucks having a good ol' coffee catchup with a friend, when the topic of current films was mentioned. It went a bit like this:
Alex: There's a new film with Imelda Staunton. What's it called?
Bev: Is it Pride!?
Alex: Yes!
Bev: I read something about it being this really good British comedy. We should go see it.
Alex: (checking phone) There's a showing in five minutes.
Bev: Let's go. Right now.
So there I was, watching Pride following the world's most spontaneous cinema trip decision ever. And I'm glad it happened. Pride is full of comedy, drama, feel-good heartiness and is, amazingly, based on a true story. It tells the story of a group of lesbians and gays supporting the miners in the 1980s, naming themselves LGSM and embarking on an alliance with a small town in Wales. As you may have guessed, it's a controversial subject and was no easy ride, as documented by the film.
I want to take a moment to focus on the fact that this is a very well made British film. It showcases a great script and a fantastic cast. With some big names (Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West) and some newer ones (Ben Schnetzer, George MacKay and Faye Marsay), you'll be surprised at how many main characters there are, and how well each one of their characters is developed throughout the film. In particular, Ben Schnetzer plays the group leader Mark Ashton and does such a convincing job at it. MacKay is the awkward new member hiding his secrets from his family, and Andrew Scott also excels in a role many miles away from Sherlock's Moriarty.
The film's running length is 2 hours, but in those 2 hours you see a journey from start to finish. You witness unlikely friendships born and tested, and see the effects of the Miner's Strike of 1984, as well as the discrimination against homosexuals at the time. It may be a film that makes you laugh, but it is still cited as a drama, and there are many serious underlying themes which are explored successfully with both humour and sensitivity. Be warned, there is a spontaneous sing-song Glee would be immensely proud of, but it is part of the bigger picture. A picture of unity, empowerment and solidarity.
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